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Scientists have found that that activation of cholinergic neurons - those that release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine -- in two brain stem structures can induce REM sleep in an animal model. Better understanding of mechanisms that control different sleep states is essential to improved treatment of sleep disorders.

Going to bed early could help individuals avoid repetitive negative thinking, according to a recent study. According to the authors, repetitive negative thinking is "defined as an abstract, perseverative, negative focus on one's problems and experiences that is difficult to control."

In a recent US study results indicated that poor sleep may be an early warning sign for addictive and “regretful” behaviour; such as alcohol problems, illicit drug abuse and sexual behaviour. US researchers reviewed the sleep patterns of 6500 adolescents in combination with drug and alcohol habits, between 1994 and 2002.

Scientists at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) have discovered a link between sleep loss and cell injury. Results of a new study find sleep deprivation causes the damage to cells, especially in the liver, lung, and small intestine. Recovery sleep following deprivation heals the damage.

New research confirms that sleep disturbances are linked to pain and depression, but not disability, among patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Results from a new study found that poor sleep increases depression and disability, but does not worsen pain over time.

Sleep and Other Disorders

There has been a significant amount of sleep research conducted around the world to study the effects of sleep on the body.

Sleep problems do not just affect how tired you feel during the day, they can also have profound effects on your state of being. It can affect how you feel emotionally, it can affect your health directly and at different stages of life can also have direct impacts on your sleep.

Coping with Shiftwork

A main reason that shift work can be challenging to your health and lifestyle is the fact that your body is so sensitive to changes in circadian rhythms, which can affect your health and your quality of sleep. Coping with Shift Work

Sleep and Depression

Increasingly, depression is being recognised as a condition that involves how our body functions, how we feel about ourselves and how we respond to events in our lives. Trouble falling asleep and or staying asleep are important features of depression. Sleep and Depression

Sleep and Heart Disease

Sleep is a time of rest for the entire body. Even the heart, which works day and night, naturally slows down during sleep. That’s why unhealthy heart function (caused by conditions such as heart disease) can deprive the body of restful sleep. Yet, the relationship between heart function and sleep works both ways. Sleep and Heart Disease

Sleep and Occupational Health and Safety

One of the most riskful hazards in relation to sleep disorders is fatigue. Fatigue is a hazard in the workplace and is 4 times more likely to impair workplace performance than alcohol or drug use. Sleep and Occupational Health and Safety

Sleep and Women

How well a woman sleeps significantly affects her quality of life. Recent studies have paid a lot of attention to women’s sleep patterns, needs and special problems. Did you know, for instance, that women are twice as likely as men to have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep? Sleep and Women

Sleep as we Grow Older

Your hair is turning grey, vision is blurring and fine lines are appearing on your face. Even your sleep patterns seem to shift as you grow older. While sometimes hard to adjust to, these are all natural changes in older people, even healthy ones. But make sure you look out for the unhealthy ones! Sleep as we Grow Older

Sleep and Stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide.

The relationship between sleep disorders and stroke is important. Strokes can lead to sleep problems, and some sleep problems can increase the risk of stroke. Sleep and Stroke

Sleep and Driving

A range of medical conditions (mental and physical) may adversely affect your ability to drive safely, and could result in a crash causing death or injury. This includes sleep apnoea, and other sleep disorders. Sleep and Driving